Am I wrong to consider a Z4 instead of a Z3 because I am 6.1ft

[Tfalsetta]

Am I wrong to consider a Z4 instead of a Z3 because I am 6.1ft?

I had my heart set on a Z3 however sat in one for the first time today (2001 2.5i) When the top is up it’s very hard to get in and out of. Once I am in I have about 1 inch headroom which doesn’t bother me that much. However with the top down I have the feeling the top windshield is obstructing my view because I’m sitting so high?

went over to sit in Z4 2003 and all of these issues appear to go away.

I would love some feedback am I overthinking this.? Is this a legitimate reason to not buy a car?

when I walked out of the car and told one of the salesman their response was” you’re not going to get any younger“….. actually appreciated that comment and praised him for it. I’m 60

[clarkitect]

I don’t think it’s a bad consideration. Bang your head a few times and any fun will be gone. Z4 is still a decent car.

[spfd72]

Did you lower the seat in the Z3?

[Tfalsetta]

yes.... The crazy thing is I said one Z3 was somewhat uncomfortable.... Then said in another the next day felt much better.... Everything I'm hearing is probably just me

[tnav]

Not exactly sure the same comparison, I have owned a 2001 M Coupe and a 2008 M Coupe, both were very uncomfortable for me, I have longer legs and lower back pain was brutal after a 45+ minute trip, especially since you can't stretch your legs and you can't move the seat and recline as far back as you would in other cars. Both cars were absolutely amazing in every way, and there is nothing like them out there, however, my only issue with both cars was specifically seating. I have since sold both cars and I am looking to get into Porsche cars instead. My ideal seat position is low, tilted, and far back and I just couldn't do it in either car. I do hear most people having no issues at all, so maybe it affects just a few of us.

[mikeg1961]

^^+1. I'm roughly the same size as the OP. I test drove both a Z3 and a Z4, for extended periods (multiple hours), and I couldn't get comfortable in either, due to the seat being all the way back, with no ability to recline. Of course, I've had back issues before, so this isn't much of a surprise. Since I have both a 435 and a 330 F31, and have no issues with them, it's apparently due to the shorter seat travel in the 2 seaters.

[spfd72]

Each of us has their own seating proclivity. There are a couple of modifications available to the Z3/M (E36/7) seating that can make a difference. Raising the front rails (there is a kit or one can procure the materials at ACE HW or big box)provides more thigh support-even with the seat lowered. Also removing some of the foam from the bulkhead behind the seat allows greater range of backward travel (in roadster that is, I don't think that bulkhead modification applies to the coupe).

One of the features that initially attracted me to the Z3 platform was the ability to adjust the seat more so than other roadsters (think Miata, S2000). I prefer more thigh support even though not overly tall (6', 33" inseam) and have even modified my Cayman's seat (also by raising the front rake). That car has very comfortable seats (SS+ which are "partial power-only back rest is powered) and can accommodate pretty tall people. The only other limiter for some with the Z3/M sport seats is that if you are pretty broad the bottom bolsters may be an issue.